Maharashtra CM Decision Nears: Eknath Shinde's Camp Hints at Clarity in 2 Days Amid Suspense
Maharashtra Chief Minister suspense continues as leaders of the Mahayuti alliance, including the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, are racing against time to finalize the new leadership. It has been six days since the declaration of the results of the Maharashtra assembly elections, but the decision on who will be the next Chief Minister and cabinet ministers has not been taken yet. Caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has reportedly been in talks with key alliance members and is seeking crucial positions for his party, including the home and urban development portfolios.
According to sources close to the development, at the meeting held at Union Home Minister Amit Shah's residence in New Delhi, Shinde demanded 12 ministerial berths for Shiv Sena. Though BJP offered him the post of deputy CM, it has been learnt that Shinde is keen on holding the same key portfolios in Maharashtra. Notably, Shinde's son, Shrikant, too is likely to be taken into consideration for a cabinet berth at the Centre.
Shiv Sena leaders were optimistic that a decision was to be made in days ahead. Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane, Shiv Sena deputy leader to the Lok Sabha, revealed that the alliance was carrying out discussions to finalise its cabinet lineup. According to him, clarity on this development should be seen within two days.
The scheduled meeting between the Mahayuti leaders today in Mumbai has been canceled as Eknath Shinde traveled to his native village in Satara. However, sources claim that discussions are on and that BJP leaders are promising to provide full support for Maharashtra's development.
Naresh Mhaske, a senior MP from Shiv Sena, added that a decision will be arrived at soon as the government must proceed and work upon significant issues in the state. He further reasserted that Eknath Shinde being an MLA, shall be able to concentrate upon Maharashtra's well-being while awaiting Cabinet picks to be finalized.
With the suspense of Maharashtra CM lingering, the next course of action for the Mahayuti alliance remains in everyone's eyes and BJP's central leadership is likely to make the last calls.